What you need to know about the future train stop

Brightline, the high-speed passenger rail company, announced plans to build a station in Cocoa as part of its Orlando-West Palm Beach route.

But the exact timetable for the construction of this station remains uncertain.

Why is Brightline putting a station in Cocoa?

What you need to know about the future train stop

The announcement comes after the company purchased 33 acres of land in Cocoa, known as the “cocoa curve,” for $12.5 million in April 2021. The project, which will receive $15.5 million in federal grants and is eligible for up to $40 million more, aims to provide improved public transportation options for the Space Coast region.

Where is the Cocoa curve?

The Cocoa Curve refers to an area where the train already has to slow down to accommodate the southwest turn as it heads from Orlando to South Florida. Brightline and transportation officials have long suggested that the natural slowdown zone could be the ideal place to accommodate a passenger line stop.

When will the Brightline Cocoa stop open?

Although the construction schedule and total cost of the project have yet to be determined, Brightline’s commitment points to a bright future for transportation in the region. Brightline’s all-electric, zero-emission trains will offer state-of-the-art equipment and top speeds of 130 mph, significantly reducing travel times between major cities in Florida.

Brightline currently has stops at Orlando International Airport and in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura and Miami.

Brightline announced earlier this year that it would also add a stop in downtown Stuart, after selecting a proposal for a $60 million rail station project. The station could open as early as the end of 2026.

The station — a collaboration of Stuart, Martin County and Brightline — will cost the city and county $45 million, with Brightline covering the rest of the costs. State and federal grants could reduce the city and county’s combined cost to less than $10 million, Martin County officials said.

Stuart had been chosen from five Treasure Coast sites for Brightline’s seventh station. Two of the others were in Fort Pierce and two in St. Lucie County.

There are plans to add a location in Tampa. Officials in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties have also expressed interest in having a station.

A downtown Stuart station could open as soon as late 2026, two years earlier than originally planned, Brightline officials said earlier this month.

Brightline Ticket Options

Two ticket options are offered.

Smart, described as comfortable business class. It includes free Wi-Fi, various seat outlets, and 19-inch leather seats. It is possible to purchase drinks and snacks.

Premium is known as the first class option. Besides free Wi-Fi and seat plugs, it also includes 21-inch leather seats. Snacks and drinks are also provided with the ticket.